Help Needed - Bumper Light Upgrade

[swr1977]

I have a 1978 GL1000 with wrap around bumpers with lights all single element that I can turn on and off with a switch. The bumpers cover my turn signals! Being that it's a safety issue I'd like to change out the lights to a double element bulb so that the outside lights work for signals and the center lights get brighter for the brake.

Is it possible to change this out to something that looks original?

Does anyone make a conversion kit?

If I did this with regular double element bulbs would it draw to much current for the relays/switches/circuit?

Does anyone make something with LEDs?

See attached pictures!

[virgilmobile]

My best suggestion...Replace all the marker Lamps with a LED version....test different ones before you buy 20 of them for the best light from the lens...
rewire the sides and some on the back directly to the "park"circuit...Split the rest of them between the brake and turn lamps...add on strip LED's for more visibility...

Another idea.....
This 16 foot roll is 12 volts and can be cut to just 3 LED's..about 3 inches...they could be used behind the lens...maybe even 2 ,3 or 4 strips of them...Use some for park lamp,some for turn some for brake....the wiring of each is your choice....
The Admin converted his markers to LED's...It should be possible to do the same...just a lot more wiring and soldering involved.viewtopic.php?f=14&t=11057

[WingAdmin]

I have a 1978 GL1000 with wrap around bumpers with lights all single element that I can turn on and off with a switch. The bumpers cover my turn signals! Being that it's a safety issue I'd like to change out the lights to a double element bulb so that the outside lights work for signals and the center lights get brighter for the brake.

Is it possible to change this out to something that looks original?

Does anyone make a conversion kit?

If I did this with regular double element bulbs would it draw to much current for the relays/switches/circuit?

Does anyone make something with LEDs?

See attached pictures!

I *think* you're talking about these lights, that go on the aftermarket Markland wraparound:



If so, I found replacements at http://www.taillightking.com/ - they are the model 80224KNS found on this page. I used them on the Markland setup on my GL1100, and they fit perfectly - plus they're LED, so they draw very little current and never burn out.

[swr1977]

My best suggestion...Replace all the marker Lamps with a LED version....test different ones before you buy 20 of them for the best light from the lens...
rewire the sides and some on the back directly to the "park"circuit...Split the rest of them between the brake and turn lamps...add on strip LED's for more visibility...

back-removed plate.jpg

red.jpg

Another idea.....
This 16 foot roll is 12 volts and can be cut to just 3 LED's..about 3 inches...they could be used behind the lens...maybe even 2 ,3 or 4 strips of them...Use some for park lamp,some for turn some for brake....the wiring of each is your choice....
The Admin converted his markers to LED's...It should be possible to do the same...just a lot more wiring and soldering involved.viewtopic.php?f=14&t=11057

Thanks Virgilmobile

This is what I want to do but are the LEDs double element?

I want them all to be on as running lights and sides lights to flash for blinkers and center to be brakes lights just like you diagrammed from my picture.

[swr1977]

I *think* you're talking about these lights, that go on the aftermarket Markland wraparound:



If so, I found replacements at http://www.taillightking.com/ - they are the model 80224KSN found on this page. I used them on the Markland setup on my GL1100, and they fit perfectly - plus they're LED, so they draw very little current and never burn out.

Thanks WingAdmin

But is this a double element bulb?

In the picture I only see two wires! so wouldn't this only be a replacement for what I already have.

Also looking at the page you linked too I don't think these are LEDs because the description says "12V 194 bulb"

(Please correct me if I'm wrong.)

[virgilmobile]

I'm thinking that the replacement led's would be only a single lamp.The housing was not designed for any type of dual lamp.
Not enough space in the housing for a dual filament lamp thus the idea to add 2 strips of led's in there.
Use a led replacement for the marker and 2 strips (6 led's) for the brake.
I can measure exactly led strip if you want to see if it would fit.
Lots of little wires to attach for each one.it wouldn't be a quick job.

[swr1977]

I'm thinking that the replacement led's would be only a single lamp.The housing was not designed for any type of dual lamp.
Not enough space in the housing for a dual filament lamp thus the idea to add 2 strips of led's in there.
Use a led replacement for the marker and 2 strips (6 led's) for the brake.
I can measure exactly led strip if you want to see if it would fit.
Lots of little wires to attach for each one.it wouldn't be a quick job.

I know it's not going to be a quick or even very easy job. I've done some wiring projects in the past and will get my uncle who is also an electrician to help and double check my work.

I like how WingAdmin cut installed the LEDs in his project but am currious if I could cut the 2 strips to fit into each lens housing so yes please measure what you have. If it's biger then 2" x 1" then it wont work.

Thanks for the help!

[virgilmobile]

Will do this evening.

[WingAdmin]

I *think* you're talking about these lights, that go on the aftermarket Markland wraparound:



If so, I found replacements at http://www.taillightking.com/ - they are the model 80224KSN found on this page. I used them on the Markland setup on my GL1100, and they fit perfectly - plus they're LED, so they draw very little current and never burn out.

Thanks WingAdmin

But is this a double element bulb?

In the picture I only see two wires! so wouldn't this only be a replacement for what I already have.

Also looking at the page you linked too I don't think these are LEDs because the description says "12V 194 bulb"

(Please correct me if I'm wrong.)

The fixtures come with bulbs, but I put LEDs in them. You can make LEDs dual-brightness with a resistor and a diode. You just have to make sure they are bright enough to function as brake and turn signals.

[virgilmobile]

Yes indeed.get super bright LED's into the housings that you want for dual operation then reduce the voltage to dim them for park lamps.Just on selected ones.
A resistor to limit the brightness and the diode for a direct feed for max.
Cool.
Also my best guess on the length...16.4 foot roll , 60 LED's is about 3" in length minimum.

[virgilmobile]

I just measured my white waterproof LED's...
The minimum cut length is exactly 2".
It is supplied with 12 volts and has 3 bright white LEDA'S on it.

[RoadRogue]

If you used the 3528 LED strip lights for the running lights and the 5050 LED strip lights for brake/turnsignals you should get the look you want. The 5050 are quite a bit brighter than the 3528.

I got my roll of strip leds from Hitlights on Amazon, 16ft rolls for about $10 each. The length of each section of 3 LEDs is 2 inches. Red leds for red lenses, yellow for yellow lenses.

[swr1977]

The fixtures come with bulbs, but I put LEDs in them. You can make LEDs dual-brightness with a resistor and a diode. You just have to make sure they are bright enough to function as brake and turn signals.

OK I like the idea of not having to change out the light fixtures best and just change the bulb to LEDs. About how much am I looking at for 21 LEDs and the resistors & diodes ... Oh and how do I do this? Do you have a article somewhere here on the web-site to show me that I just haven't found yet?

The bulb is a W1445 (see pics)

[swr1977]

Update on this project...

Being I couldn't find the replacement LED in the size bulb I need, and even if I could it probably would've been more expensive, I opted to order the LED strips from ebay precut...
50 x 3528 SMD 3 LED Strip Lights DC 12V You Pick Colors Red, White, Blue or Mix
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... TQ:US:1123

A little more $$$ then buying them on a roll but this way I know they'll fit in the light fixtures!

Does anyone out there know what gauge wire would be best to use? I'd like to get different color wire also so it'll be color coded. If anyone could provide a link that would be great.

When I get this done I'll upload some before and after videos/pictures.

[WingAdmin]

Update on this project...

Being I couldn't find the replacement LED in the size bulb I need, and even if I could it probably would've been more expensive, I opted to order the LED strips from ebay precut...
50 x 3528 SMD 3 LED Strip Lights DC 12V You Pick Colors Red, White, Blue or Mix
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... TQ:US:1123

A little more $$$ then buying them on a roll but this way I know they'll fit in the light fixtures!

Does anyone out there know what gauge wire would be best to use? I'd like to get different color wire also so it'll be color coded. If anyone could provide a link that would be great.

When I get this done I'll upload some before and after videos/pictures.

Definitely want to see how this looks when you're done!

LED current draw is very small, I would use a quality 24 gauge wire.

[swr1977]

Does anyone out there know what gauge wire would be best to use? I'd like to get different color wire also so it'll be color coded. If anyone could provide a link that would be great.

When I get this done I'll upload some before and after videos/pictures.

Definitely want to see how this looks when you're done!

LED current draw is very small, I would use a quality 24 gauge wire.

Thanks WingAdmin

Do you by chance know where I can buy some in didn't colors that won't cost me $10 per color for a small lengh?

I figure need at least 5 different colors and at least 30-40 feet!

So far the most cost effective I can find is to order some speaker wire off eBay. Would that work ok?

[WingAdmin]

Thanks WingAdmin

Do you by chance know where I can buy some in didn't colors that won't cost me $10 per color for a small lengh?

I figure need at least 5 different colors and at least 30-40 feet!

So far the most cost effective I can find is to order some speaker wire off eBay. Would that work ok?

No, speaker wire is not great - it is not intended to handle the harsh environments of outdoor vehicular conditions - heat, cold, movement, vibration. The insulation will fail, and the wires inside can break.

Are you sure you need different colors? I tend to have just two colors - black (power) and green (ground). Sometimes I'll just use the black.

[NebraskaHick]

Looks like I'm too late, but this is what I did with mine. Replaced the originals with some LED clearance lights I picked up at a truck stop. $8 each:

Wired the trunk lights in with the brake lights:

[swr1977]

No, speaker wire is not great - it is not intended to handle the harsh environments of outdoor vehicular conditions - heat, cold, movement, vibration. The insulation will fail, and the wires inside can break.

Are you sure you need different colors? I tend to have just two colors - black (power) and green (ground). Sometimes I'll just use the black.

Thanks for the input WingAdmin

That makes since that speaker wire isn't good being the environmental factors. I wasn't thinking about the weather & temps just my pocketbook (always empty)

What about network/phone (cat 3 or 5) cable? I have a bunch of spare/scrap network cable that I could use and wouldn't cost me a thing! However now that I think about it I'm betting the same is true as far as it holding up in the weather? (I do live in Washington, very cold & rainy in the winter months) But I don't take the bike out in bad weather!

As far at the color coding goes, I definitely want to color code the wires using the same/original coding as the rest of the bike. Just makes the job easier (don't have to label every wire with a sticker) Also if I sell the bike later it makes the next owner's job a lot easier if he wants to change it or has a problem.

Looks like I'm too late, but this is what I did with mine. Replaced the originals with some LED clearance lights I picked up at a truck stop. $8 each:

Wired the trunk lights in with the brake lights:

Very NICE NebraskaHick

Just one question... Where are your turn signals?

[NebraskaHick]

Turn signals are at the bottom of the saddlebags, kinda hidden behind the light bar upper rails in this picture. I put Halogen 1156 bulbs in the T/S and those following me say they have NO problems seeing them, even in bright sunlight. I thought about adding yellow LED lights on the trunk bar for turn signals, but decided the extra wiring was more than I wanted to do.

[WingAdmin]

What about network/phone (cat 3 or 5) cable? I have a bunch of spare/scrap network cable that I could use and wouldn't cost me a thing! However now that I think about it I'm betting the same is true as far as it holding up in the weather? (I do live in Washington, very cold & rainy in the winter months) But I don't take the bike out in bad weather!

Definitely not cat3 or cat5 type cable! The vast majority of that cable is solid core, not stranded, and it WILL break with vibration. The smaller and thinner the strands of wire inside the cable, the more resistant to breakage from movement and vibration. The worst is solid core, which is a single strand of thicker wire. This is extremely susceptible to breakage from vibration and movement. Even the stranded network cable (normally used to build patch cables) is not designed to handle any kind of regular vibration or temperature extremes (except plenum rated cable, which is normally solid, not stranded).

[swr1977]

Thanks WingAdmin

Do you by chance know where I can buy some in didn't colors that won't cost me $10 per color for a small length?

I figure need at least 5 different colors and at least 30-40 feet!

So far the most cost effective I can find is to order some speaker wire off eBay. Would that work OK?

No, speaker wire is not great - it is not intended to handle the harsh environments of outdoor vehicular conditions - heat, cold, movement, vibration. The insulation will fail, and the wires inside can break.

What about network/phone (cat 3 or 5) cable? I have a bunch of spare/scrap network cable that I could use and wouldn't cost me a thing! However now that I think about it I'm betting the same is true as far as it holding up in the weather? (I do live in Washington, very cold & rainy in the winter months) But I don't take the bike out in bad weather!

Definitely not cat3 or cat5 type cable! The vast majority of that cable is solid core, not stranded, and it WILL break with vibration. The smaller and thinner the strands of wire inside the cable, the more resistant to breakage from movement and vibration. The worst is solid core, which is a single strand of thicker wire. This is extremely susceptible to breakage from vibration and movement. Even the stranded network cable (normally used to build patch cables) is not designed to handle any kind of regular vibration or temperature extremes (except plenum rated cable, which is normally solid, not stranded).

Thanks WingAdmin for the information.

So if speaker wire and network wire are out... Does anyone out there now where I can get some 22 or 24 gauge wire that would be good for this project? Please post a link if available anywhere on-line to purchase.

I guess this project will just be on hold until I find the wire.

I've attached a few pics of what I'm trying to do. This attempt was with Cat 5 network wire before the above post by WingAdmin. After play with the cat 5 wire I will NOT be using it... took me 2-3 hours to get this one to work and I have 21 of these in total to make. Wire just kept breaking and solder connections keep failing! Very aggregating for a novice!

[WingAdmin]

The cheapest option is to buy in bulk, just as much as you need. A quick search on Google and I found that superbrightleds.com sells stranded 24 gauge wire in bulk for 10 cents a foot that would be perfect:

http://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo ... 1036/2491/

[swr1977]

Update...

OK so this is taking longer than I thought, however the reason is I've been very sick the pack few weeks.

About a month ago my uncle and I finished the upper bumper. Here are some videos so you can compare the upper lights which are all LEDs to the lower lights which are all original. The main brake light and the turn signals in the saddle bags are also all original. I might change them to LEDs also but for now they are working fine... I just need to remove the lower bumper and finish the project!


Left Turn Signal Blinking
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Left Turn Signal Blinking
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Right Turn Signal Blinking
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[romanfj]

WingAdmin,

You found the light! As it turns out, the PO apparently took a second light and set it into the red lens and it is part #31404 on the same page http://www.taillightking.com/accessory_lights.htm .

The 2 lights (including the inset) = $20/light and keep in mind that he doubled the number of lights so that there's a continuous row of lights on the bumper. To top it off, each blue lens had the filament bulb replaced with a 4 LED cluster, part 38691 at an additional $15 ea. My Goodness he spent a lot on lights!

I'd take half of them off, but it would leave holes in the bumper from the screws used to mount them. Not the most aesthetic look in my opinion, but one I'm stuck with. Now I have to justify buying a $35 light to the wife...

Thanks for the help finding these. I really appreciate it.

Frank